Montmorency

Montmorency, HENRI, second DUC DE, grandson of the famous Constable de Montmorency, was born at Chantilly, 30th April 1595. His godfather was Henry IV., who always called him his 'son.' When he was seventeen years of age Louis XIII. made him admiral and viceroy of Canada, and in the following year governor of Languedoc. During the religious wars of 1621 and the following years Montmorency commanded the Catholics in the south against Rohan, was almost captured at the siege of Montpellier (1622), took the islands of Rê and Oléron from the defenders of Rochelle (1625), and penetrated into Piedmont (1630). But Richelieu, jealous of his popularity, provoked him into rebellion along with the king's brother, Gaston, Duke of Orleans. Marshal Schomberg was sent against him, defeated him at Castelnaudary, and took him prisoner. Montmorency, covered with wounds, was carried to Toulouse, sentenced to death by the parliament, and, notwithstanding the intercession of King Charles I. of England, the pope, the Venetian Republic, and the Duke of Savoy, was beheaded, 30th October 1632. Montmorency was distinguished for his amiability and the courtesy of his manners, as well as for his valour.